Hey to all.
Would be interested in obtaining various insights and opinions on this ongoing issue.
Metal vs. Plastic Conveyor Belting Article: http://www.foodmanuf...R~RID~19774.asp
Some of the arguments made were:
Support for Metal Belting:
- Stainless steel
- Anti-bacteria absorbent
- Impervious to biofilms
- Easy to clean; reduces water consumption and time
- Reliant on a metal detector to pick up any damage that may have fallen into food product
- Wear, temperature, stretch resistant
- Reliant, tolerable, strong therefore number of required service is reduced
- Varied product specifications and custom make to cater for all types of food industries
- Long service shelf life; cost effective long term
- Replacements minimised
- Made of injection-molded polyethylene or acetyl plastic
- Excellent tracking by preventing belt slippage during operation, especially in wet environments
- Flexibility: plastic chain belting can easily make turns and flex to go up inclines or down declines
- Flexibility can allow for saving on production space, reduce number of product transfers
- Varied product specifications and custom make to cater for all types of food industries
- Open-mesh plastic chain belt for enhanced sanitation or for cooling or air flow; allowing for optimal drainage and minimal downtime
- Resistant to water and most cleaning agents
- Easy-to-clean surfaces, durable
- If part of the plastic chain belt gets damaged, repairs are made by removing hinge rod of affected chain module and replacing with a new section whilst remaining belt remains in place on the conveyor